Pierre's Friends

by Andrea Beck

Overview

Pierre, a pampered pooch, misses his friends, Sparky and Lou. But how will he ever find them? They live in a park on the other side of town. Pierre has a plan, and one afternoon while Miss Murphy naps, he slips out of their apartment and sets off to bring his friends home. Along the way, Pierre meets Old Wheezer and remembers Miss Murphy’s words, “Dogs and people belong together." In the end, Pierre helps find a loving home for everyone.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781459806344
Publisher:	Orca Book Publishers
Publication date:	09/01/2013
Series:	Pierre le Poof , #2
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
File size:	28 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	6 - 8 Years

About the Author

Andrea Beck is the author/illustrator of the popular book series and TV show, Elliot Moose. Andrea is known for creating earnest characters that inhabit a world of warmth and friendship, appealing to children and parents alike. Beck studied at OCAD, York University and the University of Toronto and began her career as a toy designer. Her award-winning designs were featured in Canadian media and sold from coast to coast. Later, reading to her children, Beck was inspired by picturebooks and she began to write. Beck lives in Unionville, ON, with her two sons, her beagle Tillie and about 30 goldfish in the backyard pond.

Read an Excerpt

On their third day in Paris, Miss Murphy said, "I'm sorry to leave you again, Pierre. Today is my only chance to visit the Louvre Museum. The poodle show is tonight, and tomorrow we leave."

Enough, thought Pierre.

The moment the door closed, he slipped under the balcony railing, slid down a cafe awning and leapt to the street below.

Editorial Reviews

"A sweet story...[with] a gentle ending that encourages helping others...The dog lovers in my class loved this book."

BookLinx

"The economical storytelling and calm illustrations of city dogs with adult owners are satisfying."

The Horn Book Guide

"Irresistible Pierre Le Poof pounces through the pages with single-minded purpose to populate his life with fellow friends Sparky and Lou...This is a very sweet tale of the lost and the found, whoever and wherever they might be. Happy dog illustrations abound."

Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media

"Children will enjoy Beck's soft-hued, warm illustrations of the energetic Pierre and his pals...This story could tie in with a study of the basic needs of animals and people: food, shelter, love. It could be related to being socially responsible and thinking about others in the community."

Resource Links

"A gentle story of a tender hearted pup who, in seeking to assuage his own loneliness, discovers others' greater needs and takes steps to resolve them…Recommended."

CM Magazine

K-Gr 2—Pierre Le Poof is a pampered poodle. He has everything he could want: a soft pillow, plenty of food, and Miss Murphy, whom he adores. But he misses Sparky and Lou, strays that live in the city park. One lonely day he decides to venture from his safe home to find his friends and bring them back with him. But how will he find them in such a big park? Although the story can stand alone, it makes more sense if readers are familiar with Pierre Le Poof (Orca, 2009). This continuation has less drama because Pierre does not face any great challenge and is never afraid or in danger. The author has created a safe, child-friendly world in which humans are more than happy to provide homes for vagrant pups. The cartoon illustrations, done with watercolor, pen, and pastels, reflect the gentle, upbeat nature of the tale. Pierre's fans will welcome this sequel, but for other children it is of secondary interest.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

School Library Journal

Rescued from the streets in Pierre Le Poof! (2009), Pierre enjoys his life of canine comfort with his human companion, Miss Murphy, though the former stray yearns to share his world of riches with his old buddies. He seeks guidance from a desolate doggie authority, aptly named Old Wheezer, to find the strays' current whereabouts. The straightforward plot plods to its obvious conclusion as lonely neighbors unite with abandoned pups. Wholesome musings force both characterization and conclusion: "[Miss Murphy] always said dogs and people belonged together," when referencing the grouchy old neighbor. The unsurprising ending finds all pets in their deserved homes. The brown, bouffant-ed Pierre is appealing, and his desire to rescue friends in need is undeniably praiseworthy. Still, though this lovable hound hero may inspire a fleeting case of puppy love, the predictable plot prevents the creation of a dog-eared classic. (Picture book. 3-6)

Kirkus Reviews